Seán Haughey
Question:189 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Finance the special arrangements in place for the paying of income tax by the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18268/02]
Adjournment Debate. - Tax Collection.
It is not entirely clear if the Deputy's question is about special income tax reliefs available for the elderly or about special arrangements for the actual payment of income tax by elderly persons to the Revenue Commissioners.
As regards special tax reliefs, persons aged 65 or over are entirely exempt from income tax if their aggregate income is less than €13,000 in the case of single/widowed persons, or €26,000 in the case of married couples. There is also an age tax credit for persons aged 65 or over which amounts to €205 for single/widowed persons and €410 for married couples.
As regards arrangements for paying income tax to Revenue, I am informed that there are no special arrangements for the elderly as such. The vast majority of elderly persons will pay income tax on their pension income through the PAYE system although some elderly persons will be in the self-assessment system.